Introduction

Welcome to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Environmental Guidebook website. Here you will find links to FHWA, Federal Transit Administration, and other U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) policies, procedures, and guidance related to the environment and transportation.

Information is provided on environmental documentation, public involvement, Section 404 permitting under the Clean Water Act, and other relevant topics. This information will assist transportation and resource agencies, contractors, consultants, local governments, and the public in their transportation decisionmaking.

How to Navigate this Website

Most documents are provided in Microsoft Word and in Portable Document Format (PDF). To view or print PDF files, you will need an Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download for free at Adobe Acrobat Reader - Download.

There are two main subject areas - the Natural Environment and the Built and Social Environment. The Natural Environment refers to natural environmental features and issues. Subject areas include air quality, ecosystems, endangered species, hazardous waste, water quality, and wetlands. The Built and Social Environment refers to man-made features, communities, cultural and historical resources, and related environmental documents and guidelines. Subject areas include community impacts, environmental documentation, historical and archaeological preservation, and Section 4(f) of the U.S. DOT Transportation Act of 1966. Click on each subject area to view related documents.

Environmental Guidebook Contact

For more information on the Environmental Guidebook, contact the FHWA Office of Project Development and Environmental Review:

Lamar Smith
(202) 366-8994